Dortmund's Mats Hummels explains why he is desperate to beat Liverpool in Europe

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels says he is desperate to beat Liverpool in the Europa League due to the Jurgen Klopp factor, German publication ZDF reports.

Klopp left Dortmund last summer, putting an end to a glorious tenure at the Westfalenstadion which saw the club rise from their struggles in mid-table to being crowned Bundesliga champions twice.

His impact on the club was huge, and his exit left a number of supporters and pundits saddened by the news.

With Klopp refusing to take up another post in Germany, many suggested he would not be facing Dortmund anytime soon but like always football tends to throw up some ironic surprises.

Liverpool and Dortmund are set to meet in the Europa League quarter-finals, and Hummels says he expects Klopp to receive a very warm welcome but concedes he is desperate to beat him.

“The tie with Liverpool is one where we are simply desperate to beat Klopp. We have to beat him. Of course, he will get a warm welcome and a warm farewell. But I hope to drive him mad in between,” Hummels said.

“There will be a lot of media attention. And it will be something special for the players to meet Klopp again. It will be very interesting, also on an emotional level.”

Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League after defeating Premier League rivals Manchester United 3-1 over two legs in the round of 16.

Dortmund thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 to set up a quarter-final tie with the Reds, and the Bundesliga title challengers will arguably start the encounter as favourites to go on and win the competition.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.